Illinois State Rep. Richard Morthland on FOID Cards

Published on May 6, 2012
Duration: 7:47

Illinois State Representative Richard Morthland discusses the findings of an audit into the state's Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card system, revealing significant breakdowns. The audit highlighted failures in reporting individuals found mentally incompetent by the judiciary, impacting the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Morthland expresses concern over the system's deficiencies and the potential risks to public safety, while also touching on legislative efforts to improve reporting mechanisms and the ongoing debate around concealed carry in Illinois.

Quick Summary

An audit of Illinois' FOID card system revealed serious deficiencies, particularly in the judicial system's failure to report individuals found mentally incompetent. This breakdown prevents critical data from reaching the NICS database, posing a risk to public safety by allowing unqualified individuals to potentially obtain firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: FOID Card Audit
  2. 00:04Audit Findings: System is Broken
  3. 00:18Specific Examples of FOID Card Issues
  4. 00:53Breakdown in Judicial Reporting
  5. 01:06FOID Card Program & State Police Role
  6. 01:16Failure to Report Mental Incompetence
  7. 01:43Public Risk Due to System Failures
  8. 02:22Overtime Costs & Backlog Processing
  9. 02:40Incomplete Reporting Information
  10. 03:09State Police Overtime & Task Force
  11. 03:26Illinois' Unique Carry Laws
  12. 03:42Concealed Carry Debate & Audit Concerns
  13. 04:49Solutions for FOID Card Problems
  14. 05:09Separation of Powers & Legislative Challenges
  15. 05:37Ranking the Danger of FOID System Issues
  16. 06:07Information Gaps Affecting Law Enforcement
  17. 06:21Prospects for Resolution
  18. 06:44Importance of the FOID Card Audit
  19. 06:51Associated Press FOIA Request & Data Privacy
  20. 07:13Legislative Action on FOID Holder Privacy
  21. 07:37Concluding Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main findings of the Illinois FOID card system audit?

The audit revealed serious deficiencies, primarily a breakdown in the judicial system's reporting of individuals found mentally incompetent. This failure prevents crucial information from reaching the Illinois State Police and the FBI's NICS database, potentially compromising public safety.

How did the judicial system's reporting fail in Illinois?

In 2010, only three out of 102 Illinois counties reported individuals found mentally incompetent. Furthermore, about half of the reports that were submitted lacked sufficient information for the state police to act upon, indicating a systemic issue.

What are the implications of the FOID card system's failures for public safety?

When individuals who should be prohibited from owning firearms due to mental incompetence are able to obtain a FOID card or keep one due to reporting failures, it creates a dangerous situation. This means people who are not capable of making good decisions may still acquire weapons and ammunition.

What legislative actions are being considered to fix the FOID card system?

Efforts are underway to improve the reporting process for individuals found mentally incompetent. The legislature is exploring ways to make reporting more effective without infringing on the separation of powers between the judiciary and law enforcement.

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